Paying It Forward: Steve Harvey on the Value of Mentoring

Coca-Cola is kicking off Black History Month by paying it forward to
the next generation of African-American leaders.

Steve Harvey

Coca-Cola has teamed up with comedian and television/radio personality
Steve Harvey for this year’s Coca-Cola Pay It Forward program, which awards two
deserving young people with apprenticeship experiences. The entertainer has mentored
many young African-American men through the Steve and Marjorie Harvey
Foundation.

The program is a way for Coca-Cola to celebrate Black History Month by
recognizing both African-American historical successes and also current and
future achievements. By providing apprenticeship experiences, young people are
inspired to fulfill their dreams and ambitions while also paying it forward to
their communities.

Parents and others who know an inspiring young person between the ages
16 to 21 are encouraged to nominate him or her by March 15 for one of two
apprenticeships. Not only will they receive the life-changing experience of
working with Harvey, but also they will receive a $5,000 scholarship for future
educational pursuits.

"The Coca-Cola Pay It Forward program and the Steve and Marjorie
Harvey Foundation have a common goal. We want to improve, enrich, uplift and
inspire young people," Harvey said.

The apprenticeships focus on philanthropy and community as well as
media and entertainment. Young people will have the opportunity to work with
Harvey and his team behind the scenes of one of his entertainment affiliations.
These youth also will contribute to the Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation
mentoring camps.

In its third year, the Coca-Cola Pay It Forward program has offered a
number of exclusive apprenticeship opportunities. Past winners have worked with
Grammy Award-winners, philanthropists, fashion designers, and CEOs of
entertainment companies to gain valuable
exposure to amazing career paths.

Coca-Cola is encouraging
everyone to pay it forward, either by nominating
someone for the apprenticeship,
becoming a mentor or allowing a teen to shadow you at work for the day. Share
your experience on Twitter with hashtag #CokePayItForward.